Ed Junior O'Neil: 1922-2012

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Ed Junior O'Neil (AKA June), 90, of Fraser, passed away Thursday, August 23, 2012, at his home near Fraser.

He was born April 16, 1922 in Denver to James Edward and Zoe Lorene O'Neil. The family moved to Grand County when he was 2 months old. He went to school in Tabernash, graduating from the 8th grade. Junior married Georgene (Jean) Marie Smith on February 21, 1941. They celebrated 71 wonderful years together this year.

Junior worked on the railroad as a young man. He served in the Army during World War II in the Pacific Theatre, earning numerous medals and an honorable discharge. Upon his return he started working for Koppers in the logging industry, later starting his own company "O'Neil Timber" which he operated for 35 years.

June and Jean bought a ranch in 1956 which they operated alongside his logging business.

He is survived by his wife, sons George and Mike, and daughter, Terry (Virgil) Fisher, 3 granddaughters, 4 grandsons, 11 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents, all of his siblings, his daughter, Sherry Welch, 1 grandson and 1 great grandson.

There will be a memorial service 2:00 p.m., Sept. 1, at the O'Neil Ranch with potluck to follow.

Jean requests no flowers or donations be made. Leave a condolence for the family, share a story about Junior or add a photo to Junior's "Book of Memories" at www.grandcountymortuary.com